Lover's Leap Overlook - Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Back in November when I was attending the annual meeting of the Friends of the Ouachita Trail at Queen Wilhelmina State Park (near Mena, Arkansas), I hiked the Lover’s Leap Trail for the first time.
It turns out that I missed the best part.
Interactive Lover’s Leap Trail GPX Map
Click here for large interactive map.
Lover's Leap Trail - Queen Wilhelmina
This 1-mile wooded trail makes a nice loop around the east side of the park. Along the way is an interesting boulder field (beneath the Lover’s Leap Overlook) and a few nice views of the Ouachita Mountains. (As is typically true, the views are better during leaf-off.)
When I hiked the trail before, I either did not notice or did not bother to stop at the Overlook. That was a mistake.
Lover's Leap Trail - Queen Wilhelmina
There is no sign at the overlook — just a set of wooden stairs.
Be sure you don’t miss it. In my opinion, the Lover’s Leap Overlook has the prettiest view in the park. I think it is even better than the magnificent view from the Lodge.
Boulder field beneath Lover's Leap Overlook - Queen Wilhelmina
The last 1/3 or so of the Lover’s Leap overlaps with the Ouachita Trail.
As usual, I have posted some of my photos and a gpx map made from my gps data.
Click here for GPX file download.
(1=Easy; 5=Most Difficult)
VITAL INFO
Trail Name and Location Lover's Leap Trail - Queen Wilhelmina State Park
County/State Polk/Arkansas
Date Hiked 08-15-2010 (mid-day)
Weather/Conditions 90's, hot.
Directions The trailhead is on the south (overlook) side of the Lodge. (The Lodge also acts as a visitor center.)
Length 1.0 miles
Loop? Yes
Difficulty 3
ATT Cell Coverage? Partial
Official Info (Links) Website. Trail Map Brochure.
